Captain America - First Avenger : Lacks Action
Rating: 2.5/5
“Why me?” – Yes, this is an epic question which every superhero finds answer to. Captain America too faces that question and without providing much mental stress to himself or audience, finds a quick convincing answer to it. Not a perfect superhero film, actually far from it but it’s an enjoyable film with retro vibe at its core.
Set in 1940, plot is pretty simple, to be honest, an over-simplistic one (excluding the fact that there were laser guns in 40’s). Steve Rogers (played by Chris Evans) is a failure in physical tests of U.S army as his structure is analogous to thin wooden stick. But his willingness to anyhow hop into combat field to defeat Nazis is unaffected by it. Impressed by his willingness, one scientist offers Steve what he wants but he must undergo an experiment. Steve readily agrees & experiment transforms his body into a powerfully-built-can-defeat-anybody structure. By liberating 400 U.S. soldiers from Nazi base camp, Steve achieves the tag of “Captain America”. Then on, it’s one-man-show. Johann Schmidt (played by Hugo Weaving) aka “Red Skull” is the leader of Nazi and baddie in the film who comfortably gets defeated by Captain America. I repeat, comfortably. Director Joe Johnston never leaves Captain America in the mouth of danger. Captain America accomplishes everything very easily, very very easily.
Retro look is totally superb & worth appreciating but clear-cut script devoid of tiniest twists and turns is a kind of injustice to this grand marvel comic character. Captain America's shield comes back to him every time like a boomerang. That’s the only mystery which I wasn’t able to solve in the film. Also, kick-ass CGI and jaw dropping action scenes were missing. Film relies on the acting of protagonist, Chris Evans who succeeds to do what Tobey Maguire did for Spiderman and Christian Bale did for Batman. God will punish me if I don’t take the name of Chris Hemsworth (as Thor). Tommy Lee Jones (as colonel Chester Philips), Sebastian Stan (as Bucky – Chris’s friend) & Hayley Atwell (as agent Carter) have performed fantastically. Chemistry between two leads is sparklingly stunning and numerous one-liners in the film are timed very well by all actors.
A weak man knows the value of strength, such are the words of wisdom. Super heroism is indeed celebrated, but in a half decent way. Last thing I want to say is “Just Bring on the Avengers”.
